Ohio Firefighters Blaze Special Birthday for Ill Boy

STONY RIDGE, Ohio -- Faced with the choice of several ladder trucks, a fire engine, water tanker, or ambulance, Hunter Bute decided to ride in the shiny red "heavy" engine fire truck.

The parade of Perrysburg Township fire equipment that showed up Friday at Hunter's home on Lime City Road for his birthday was the first surprise for the 10-year-old boy who has Takayasu's arteritis, a rare vascular disease.

With the heavy engine leading, the entourage made its way on township roads. Hunter, in his own personalized fireman's turnout gear and helmet, sat high above the road next to the firefighters he admires and wants to join some day.

Thirty minutes later, Hunter climbed down from the fire engine in the parking lot of CedarCreek Church, where he was overwhelmed with a surprise birthday party.

"Awesome. So far, this has been cool," Hunter said after the truck deposited him in the Perrysburg Township church hall.

Hunter, a third grader who is home-schooled, became seriously ill and was hospitalized for six weeks at age 4. He was diagnosed nearly four years later with Takayasu's disease, which mostly affects women.

"It's rare. There is no cure for immune diseases at all," said his stepfather, Rob Roberts. "His immune system is attacking his large arteries."

Laura Roberts said her son's love for fire engines grew from the numerous trips he has taken in ambulances to emergency rooms with paramedics and firefighters.

"It is still going strong," she said.

The Robertses moved in 2010 from Defiance to Perrysburg Township to be closer to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center for medical treatment.

Hospice of Northwest Ohio worked with the Perrysburg Township Fire Department to organize the fire department apparatus escort and assisted Mrs. Roberts in throwing the surprise birthday party at the church, where the family attends services.

Barb Lang, director of communications for hospice, said the event for Hunter was put together through the organizations's Positive Memories program for patients with terminal illnesses.

"We often do special occasions to help people achieve meaningful goals at the end of their lives. We always try to get the community involved," she said. "This was really something special for Hunter."

Tom Brice, Perrysburg Township fire chief, said he didn't hesitate to say yes when hospice asked him to drive a fire truck to the boy's home and escort him to the church.

Instead of one truck, the chief lined up three ladder trucks, a water tanker, and a fire engine as well as ambulance squads and department sport utility vehicles.

About 25 volunteer firefighters and paramedics, including officers dressed in turn-out gear, donated their Friday night off from work to be with Hunter.

"This is kind of what we do to help; reaching out to somebody in the community who needs a little help. What more tugs at your heart strings than a kid who is in this situation?" said Chief Brice, who also attends CedarCreek Church. "It makes us feel good that we can be part of this."

The township is the second fire department to honor Hunter. The department in his hometown of Defiance bestowed the title of firefighter on him several years ago.

The chief's son, Noah Brice, 12, is among the friends Hunter has made at the church. Noah said his friendship with Hunter has taught him the meaning of courage.

"I can understand why he wants to be a fireman. It takes guts. It is the perfect job for him," Noah said.

Kathy and Dave Gerken traveled from Defiance to attend the party. The couple grew close to Hunter and his family after meeting them at their church in that community.

"This is awesome. Hunter is so deserving because of all he has been through," Mrs. Gerken said.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service